General Medicine

» chele67 - New to the Game!!!

I was just recently diagnosed with Sjogrens. The lab was positive for SSB antigens but not SSA antigens. My SED rate was 35 and my ANA was positive. I'm just curious if anyone else out there has had the similar results. I'm only 40 and this is driving me absolutely insane!!!! I feel like I have the flu all the time and fatigue is extreme. My rheumatologist put me on Plaquinel. I'm not seeing any results. I am sleeping about 3 to 4 hours a night and trying to work full time. I just cannot do it anymore. Im guess the worse "pain' is in my ribs, during the day I feel like I have been just pummled. The nights are the worst, my hips and knees and ankles all ache and hurt all night long and I might find one position that works for a few minutes and then the pain comes in again, so I am forever squirming. Did not go to work today... I just cannot function like this. HELP!!!!!! anyone out there with suggestions??????

-- posted by chele67

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» Elaine Moore - New to the Game!!!

In response to New to the Game!!! posted by chele67:

Hi,
I'm sorry to be slow responding but I somehow missed this post.
Sjogren's can cause systemic symptoms including joint pain but usually these symptoms show up after you've had sicca syndrome for a while. And during flares, both SSa and SSb antibodies are usually positive. Your sed rate is only slightly elevated but your pain suggests a higher degree of inflammation.
Did your doctor run any other tests like for rheumatoid factor?
You might want to call your doctor and mention that you're not feeling any relief using Plaquenil alone. He or she might want to add another medication. You should mention your sleep disturbances too. Most doctors will work with you to find a combination of meds that can alleviate symptoms.
Diet and lifestyle changes can also help but it's important to get your pain under control. The old approach was to ignore pain, but in recent years studies have shown that addressing and alleviating pain help prevent disease progression. Best, Elaine

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